Fabric softener compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of use of a softener composition for imparting hydrophylicity to textile fibre materials in domestic applications, which softener composition comprises: A) a fabric softener; B) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a) a polyethylene, or a mixture thereof, b) a fatty acid alkanolamide, or a mixture thereof, c) a polysilicic acid, and d) a polyurethane; C) selected polyorganosiloxanes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of fabric softener compositionscomprising selected polyorganosiloxanes, or mixtures thereof, togetherwith selected additives for the improvement of hydrophilicity propertiesof textile materials in domestic applications. In particular it relatesto textile softening compositions for use in a textile launderingoperation to impart excellent hydrophilicity properties on the textile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for increasing hydrophilicityof a fabric material. More particularly, the invention relates to amethod for imparting a durably increased capacity of water absorptionand a durably decreased susceptibility to accumulation of staticelectricity.

Needless to say, fabric materials currently on use both in the clothinguse of people and in the industrial applications are in a very largepart produced of synthetic fibers or traditional natural fibers. One ofthe largest differences between the properties of the synthetic andnatural fibers is in the hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity behavior of them,the former fibers being of course outstandingly less hydrophilic thanthe latter. The remarkably small hydrophilicity of synthetic fiberssometimes causes serious problems not encountered in the use of naturalfibers.

For example, fabric materials made of synthetic fibers have a very poorcapacity of water or sweat absorption, which is advantageous on one handbut disadvantageous on the other, so that wearers of clothes made ofsynthetic fibers unavoidably have an unpleasant feeling of heavystuffiness especially when the clothes are underwears worn in contactwith or in the proximity of the skin of the wearer in a hot and humidclimate.

Another serious problem caused by the poor hydrophilicity of syntheticfibers is the great accumulation of static electricity on the fiberscausing unpleasantness to the wearer of clothes of synthetic fibers insuch a charged condition.

Many attempts have of course been proposed and practiced in the priorart to solve these problems by increasing the hydrophilicity of thefabric materials of synthetic fibers and also natural fibres. Forexample, the problem of poor water absorption of synthetic fibers can bemitigated by the mixed spinning or mixed weaving with water-absorptivenatural fibers. The effectiveness of this method is, however, limitedsince too much amounts of the natural fibers mixed with the syntheticfibers to attain sufficient hydrophilicity of the fabric materialnaturally result in the loss of the advantages inherent to syntheticfibers. An alternative method is the treatment of the fabric material ofsynthetic fibers with a water-absorbent agent to impart hydrophilicityto the surface of the fibers. Extensive investigations have been and arebeing undertaken in this direction to propose various kinds ofwater-absorbent agents effective for a particular type of syntheticfibers. For example, the capacity of water absorption of polyesterfibers, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate fibers, can be increased by thetreatment with a water-soluble polyester resin. Unfortunately, such amethod of the treatment of synthetic fibers with a water-soluble resinis defective in several respects of the poor durability of the effectsobtained therewith and the adverse influences on the color fastness ofdyed fabric materials in many cases.

Limiting the matter to the antistatic treatment or decrease ofaccumulation of static electricity on the synthetic fibers, variousantistatic agents have been proposed hitherto. For example, the abovementioned water-soluble resins including water-soluble polyester resins,polyurethane resins, polyacrylamide resins, polyamide resins and thelike are of course effective as an antistatic agent with certaindurability. Besides, many compounds are known to be effective as anantistatic agent including inorganic salts such as calcium chloride andlithium chloride, guanidine compounds such as guanidine hydrochloride,surface active agents such as those of the types of quaternary ammoniumsalts and phosphoric acid esters, acrylic polymers having quaternarycationic groups and the like although the effectiveness of the treatmentwith these compounds is rather temporary.

The durability of the effects obtained with the above describedantistatic agents is, however, not quite satisfactory even with therelatively durable polymeric antistatic agents and the antistaticeffects obtained therewith are decreased in the long-run use of thetreated fabric materials even by setting aside the other problem of theinsufficient effectiveness of the method. Furthermore, the method isalso not free from the problem of the decreased color fastness of dyedfabric materials giving limitations to the amount and the manner of useof the antistatic agents.

In short, none of the prior art methods by use of a hydrophilic agent,i.e. water-absorbent agent or antistatic agent, is quite satisfactoryfor imparting hydrophilicity to the fabric materials in respects of theeffectiveness and the durability.

As given above one component of the compositions of the presentinvention are polyorganosiloxanes. Such compounds are known to be usedon an industrial scale to finish fabrics by providing them with apermanent or semi-permanent finish aimed at improving their generalappearance. Significant for these industrial fabric finishing processesis a co-called curing step generally involving temperatures in excess of150° C. often for periods of one hour or more. The object here is toform a chemical finish which resists destruction during subsequentcleaning/laundering of fabrics. This process of finishing is not carriedout in domestic applications and accordingly one would not expectbenefits of a comparable nature or magnitude from polyorganosiloxanesincluded as adjuncts in domestic softeners. Indeed, it is noteworthythat if the compounds of the current invention achieved a permanenceassociated with industrial textile finishing, problems associated with acumulative build through the wash cycles could occur such as fabricdiscoloration and even in extremes an unpleasant feel to the wearer.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the use of selectedpolyorganosiloxanes, or mixtures thereof, and selected additives infabric softener compositions provide excellent hydrophilic effects whenapplied to fabrics during a textile laundry operation.

Similar benefits are noted when compositions of the current inventionare incorporated into tumble dryer additives such as impregnates onsheets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of use of a fabric softenercomposition for imparting hydrophilicity to textile fibre materials indomestic applications, which softener composition comprises:

A) a fabric softener;

B) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of

a) a polyethylene, or a mixture thereof,

b) a fatty acid alkanolamide, or a mixture thereof,

c) a polysilicic acid, or a mixture thereof, and

d) a polyurethane, or a mixture thereof; and

C) a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of formula (1)

wherein

R¹ is OH, OR² or CH₃

R² is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃

R³ is C₁-C₂₀alkoxy, CH₃, CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂N(COCH₃)R⁵

R⁴ is H or CH₃

R⁵ is H, CH₂CH₂NHR⁶, C(═O)—R⁷ or (CH₂)_(z)—CH₃

z is 0 to 7

R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷

R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH₂CH₂CH₂OH

R⁸ is H or CH₃

the sum of X and Y is 40 to 4000;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane which comprises at least one unit ofthe formula (5)

(R⁹)_(v)(R¹⁰)_(w)Si—A—B  (5)

wherein

R⁹ is CH₃, CH₃CH₂ or Phenyl

R¹⁰ is —O—Si or —O—R⁹

the sum of v and w equals 3, and v does not equal 3

A=—CH₂CH(R¹¹)(CH₂)_(k)

B=—NR¹²((CH₂)_(r)NH)_(m)R¹², or

n is 0 or 1

when n is 0, U¹ is N, when n is 1, U² is CH

l is 2 to 8

k is 0 to 6

m is 0 to 3

R¹¹ is H or CH₃

R¹² is H, C(═O)—R¹⁶, CH₂(CH₂)_(p)CH₃ or

p is 0 to 6

R¹³ is NH, O, OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂N(Butyl), OOCN(Butyl)

R¹⁴ is H, linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, Phenyl or CH₂CH(OH)CH₃

R¹⁵ is H or linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl

R¹⁶ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or (CH₂)_(q)OH

q is 1 to 6

U² is N or CH;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of the formula (8)

wherein

R³ is as previously defined

R¹⁷ is OH, OR¹⁸ or CH₃

R¹⁸ is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃

R¹⁹ is R²⁰—(EO)_(m)—(PO)_(n)—R²¹

m is 3 to 25

n is 0 to 10

R²⁰ is the direct bond or CH₂CH(R²²)(CH₂)_(p)R²³

p is 1 to 4

R²¹ is H, R²⁴, CH₂CH(R²²)NH₂ or CH(R²²)CH₂NH₂

R²² is H or CH₃

R²³ is O or NH

R²⁴ is linear or branched C₁-C₈ alkyl or Si(R²⁵)₃

R²⁵ is R²⁴, OCH₃ or OCH₂CH₃

EO is —CH₂CH₂O—

PO is —CH(CH₃)CH₂O— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—

the sum of X₁, Y₁ and S is 20 to 1500;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of the formula (9)

wherein

R²⁶ is linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, CH₂CH(R⁴)R²⁹

R⁴ is as previously defined

R²⁹ is linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkyl

R²⁷ is aryl, aryl substituted by linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, linearor branched C₁-C₂₀ alkyl substituted by aryl or aryl substituted bylinear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl

R²⁶ is

the sum of X², X³, X⁴ and Y² is 20 to 1500, wherein X³, X⁴ and Y² may beindependently of each other 0;

or a mixture thereof.

The composition is preferably used as a liquid rinse conditionercomposition. The textile fibre materials are treated for hydrophilicity.

In tumble dryer applications the compositions are usually incorporatedinto impregnates on non-woven sheets. However, other application formsare known to those skilled in the art.

The fabric softener composition (especially in liquid form) will be usedafter the textile fibre materials have been washed with a laundrydetergent, which may be one of a broad range of detergent types. Thetumble dryer sheet will be used after a laundering process. The textilefibre materials may be damp or dry.

The fabric softener composition may also be sprayed directly onto thefabrics prior to or during the ironing or drying of the treated fabrics.

The polyorganosiloxane may be anionic, nonionic or cationic, preferablynonionic or cationic.

The polyorganosiloxanes, or mixtures thereof, are used in a dispersedform, via the use of an emulsifier. The fabric softener composition ispreferably in aqueous liquid form. The water content as a rule is 25 to90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

When the polyorganosiloxane contains a nitrogen atom, the nitrogencontent of the aqueous emulsion due to the polyorganosiloxane ispreferably from 0.001 to 0.25% with respect to the silicon content. Ingeneral, a nitrogen content from 0.001 to 0.25% is preferred. Theparticles of the emulsion as a rule have a diameter of between 5 nm and1000 nm.

The fabric softener composition preferably has a solids content of 5 to70% at a temperature of 120° C.

The fabric softener composition usually has a pH value from 2.0 to 7.0,especially 2.0 to 5.0.

The fabric softener composition may further comprise an additionalpolyorganosiloxane:

wherein g is

and G is C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl.

This polydimethylsiloxane is cationic, has a viscosity at 25° C. of 250mm²s⁻¹ to 450 mm²s⁻¹, has a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.02 g/cm³ andhas a surface tension of 28.5 mNm⁻¹ to 33.5 mNm⁻¹.

The fabric softener composition may further comprise an additionalpolyorganosiloxane, such as that known as Magnasoft HSSD, or apolyorganosiloxane of the formula:

R′ is CH₂CH₂CH₂N(R″)₂

R″ is linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl

R′ is (CH₂)_(x′)—(EO)_(m)—(PO)_(n)—R′″

m is 3 to 25

n is 0 to 10

X′ is 0 to 4

R′″ is H or linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl

EO is —CH₂CH₂O—

PO is —CH(CH₂)CH₂O— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—

the sum of X′, Y′ and S′ is 40 to 300.

Preferably the compositions comprise dispersed polyorganosiloxanes offormula (1):

wherein

R¹ is OH, OR² or CH₃

R² is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃

R³ is C₁-C₂₀alkoxy, CH₃, CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, or

R⁴ is H or CH₃

R⁵ is H, CH₂CH₂NHR⁶, C(═O)—R⁷

R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷

R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH₂CH₂CH₂OH

R⁸ is H or CH₃

the sum of X and Y is 40 to 4000, especially 40 to 2000;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane which comprises at least one unit ofthe formula (5);

(R⁹)_(v)(R¹⁰)_(w)Si—A—B  (5)

wherein

R⁹ is CH₃, CH₃CH₂

R¹⁰ is —O—Si or —O—R⁹

the sum of v and w equals 3, and v does not equal 3

A=—CH₂CH(R¹¹)(CH₂)_(k)

B=

n is 1

U¹ is CH

k is 0 to 6

R¹¹ is H or CH₃

R¹³ is OOCN(Butyl)

R¹⁴ is H, linear C₁-C₄ alkyl, Phenyl

R¹⁵ is H or linear C₁-C₄ alkyl

U² is N;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of the formula (8);

wherein

R³ is as previously defined

R¹⁷ is OH, OR¹⁸ or CH₃

R¹⁸ is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃

R¹⁹ is R²⁰—(EO)_(m)—(PO)_(n)—R²¹

m is 3 to 25

n is 0 to 10

R²⁰ is the direct bond or CH₂CH(R²²)(CH₂)_(p)R²³

p is 1 to 4

R²¹ is H, R²⁴, CH₂CH(R²²)NH₂ or CH(R²²)CH₂NH₂

R²² is H or CH₃

R²³ is O or NH

R²⁴ is linear or branched C₁-C₃ alkyl or Si(R²⁵)₃

R²⁵ is R²⁴, OCH₃ or OCH₂CH₃

EO is —CH₂CH₂O—

PO is —CH(CH₃)CH₂O— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—

the sum of X¹, Y¹ and s is 20 to 1500;

or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of the formula (9);

R²⁶ is linear C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy,

R⁴ is as previously defined

R²⁹ is linear C₁-C₂₀ alkyl

R²⁷ is, CH₂CH(R⁴)Phenyl

R²⁸ is

the sum of X², X³, X⁴ and Y² is 20 to 1500, wherein X³, X⁴ and Y² may beindependently of each other 0;

or a mixture thereof.

The fabric softener composition may further comprise an additionalpolyorganosiloxane:

wherein g is

and G is C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl.

This polydimethylsiloxane is cationic, has a viscosity at 25° C. of 250mm²s⁻¹ to 450 mm²s⁻¹, has a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.02 g/cm³ andhas a surface tension of 28.5 mNm⁻¹ to 33.5 mNm⁻¹.

As to the polyorganosiloxanes of formula (1) the following preferencesapply:

R¹ is preferably OH or CH₃.

R³ is preferably CH₃, C₁₀-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵.

R⁴ is preferably H.

R⁵ is preferably H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁶.

R⁶ is preferably H or C(═O)—R⁷.

R⁷ is preferably CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or especially CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.

The sum of X+Y is preferably 100 to 2000.

Preferred are polyorganosiloxanes of formula (1) wherein

R¹ is OH or CH₃,

R³ is CH₃, C₁₀-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵,

R⁴ is H,

R⁵ is H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁶,

R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷, and

R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or especially CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.

As to the polyorganosiloxanes of formula (8) the following preferencesapply:

R³ is preferably CH₃, C₁-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵.

R⁴ is preferably H.

R⁵ is preferably H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁶.

R⁶ is preferably H or C(═O)—R⁷.

R⁷ is preferably CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₂OH or especially CH₃.

R₁₇ is preferably CH₃ or OH.

R₂₀ is preferably the direct bond.

R₂₁ is preferably H.

Preferred are polyorganosiloxanes of formula (8) wherein

R³ is CH₃, C₁₀-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵,

R⁴ is H,

R⁵ is H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁶,

R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷,

R⁷ is CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₂OH or especially CH₃, and

R₁₇ is CH₃ or OH.

As to the polyorganosiloxanes of formula (9) the following preferencesapply:

R²⁶ is preferably CH₂CH(R⁴)R²⁹.

R⁴ is preferably H.

R²⁷ is preferably 2-phenyl propyl.

The sum of X², X³, X⁴ and Y² is preferably 40 to 500.

Preferred are polyorganosiloxanes of formula (9) wherein

R²⁶ is CH₂CH(R⁴)R²⁹,

R⁴ is H, and

R²⁷ is 2-phenyl propyl.

Preferred are polyorganosiloxanes of formulae (1), (8) and (9),especially those of formulae (1) and (8). Very interestingpolyorganosiloxanes are those of formula (1).

Emulsifiers used to prepare the polyorganosiloxane compositions include:

i) Ethoxylates, such as alkyl ethoxylates, amine ethoxylates orethoxylated alkylammoniumhalides. Alkyl ethoxylates include alcoholethoxylates or isotridecyl ethoxylates. Preferred alcohol ethoxylatesinclude linear or branched nonionic alkyl ethoxylates containing 2 to 15ethylene oxide units. Preferred isotridecyl ethoxylates include nonionicisotridecyl ethoxylates containing 5 to 25 ethylene oxide units.Preferred amine ethoxylates include nonionic C10 to C20 alkyl aminoethoxylates containing 4 to 10 ethylene oxide units. Preferredethoxylated alkylammoniumhalides include nonionic or cationicethoxylated C6 to C20 alkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chlorides.

ii) Alkylammonium halides, preferably cationic quaternary esteralkylammonium halides.

iii) Silicones, preferably nonionic polydimethylsiloxane polyoxyalkylenecopolymers

iv) Saccharides, preferably nonionic alkylpolyglycosides.

A mixture of these emulsifiers may also be used.

As mentioned previously, the compositions further comprise one or moreadditives selected from polyethylene, dispersed fatty acid alkanolamide, polysilicic acid and polyurethane. These components are describedbelow.

The emulsifiable polyethylene (polyethylene wax) is known and isdescribed in detail in the prior art (compare, for example,DE-C-2,359,966, DE-A-2,824,716 and DE-A-1,925,993). The emulsifiablepolyethylene is as a rule a polyethylene having functional groups, inparticular COOH groups, some of which can be esterified. Thesefunctional groups are introduced by oxidation of the polyethylene.However, it is also possible to obtain the functionality bycopolymerization of ethylene with, for example, acrylic acid. Theemulsifiable polyethylenes preferably have a density of at least 0.91g/cm³ at 20° C., an acid number of at least 5 and a saponificationnumber of at least 10. Emulsifiable polyethylenes which have a densityof 0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., an acid number of 10 to 60 and asaponification number of 15 to 80 are particularly preferred.Polyethylenes which have a drop point of 100-150° C. are preferred. Thismaterial is generally obtainable commercially in the form of flakes,lozenges and the like. A mixture of these emulsifiable polyethylenes mayalso be used.

The polyethylene wax is usually employed in the form of dispersions.Various emulsifiers are suitable for their preparation. The preparationof the dispersions is described in detail in the prior art.

Emulsifiers suitable for dispersing the polyethylene component include:

i) Ethoxylates, such as alkyl ethoxylates or amine ethoxylates. Alkylethoxylates include alcohol ethoxylates or isotridecyl ethoxylates.Preferred alcohol ethoxylates include nonionic fatty alcohol ethoxylatescontaining 2 to 55 ethylene oxide units. Preferred isotridecylethoxylates include nonionic isotridecyl ethoxylates containing 6 to 9ethylene oxide units. Preferred amine ethoxylates include nonionic C10to C20 alkyl amino ethoxylates containing 7 to 9 ethylene oxide units.

ii) Alkylammonium halides, preferably cationic quaternary esteralkylammonium halides.

iii) Ammonium salts, preferably cationic aliphatic quaternary ammoniumchloride or sulfate.

A mixture of these emulsifiers may also be used.

Suitable fatty acid alkanolamides are for example those of formula

wherein

R₃₃ is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical containing 10 to24 carbon atoms,

R₃₄ is hydrogen or a radical of formula —CH₂OH, —(CH₂C₂O)_(c)H or

wherein c is a number from 1 to 10 and R₃₆ is as defined above for R₃₃,and

R₃₅ is a radical of formula —CH₂OH, —(CH₂CH₂O)_(c)H,

or

and

c is as defined above,

R₃₇ is hydrogen or a radical of formula

wherein R₃₆ is as defined above,

R₃₆, R₃₈′ and R₃₈″ have the same or different meaning and are as definedabove for R₃₄, and

R₃₉, R₃₉′ and R₃₉″ have the same or different meaning and are a radicalof formula

wherein R₃₆ is as defined above.

R₃₃ and R₃₆ are preferably a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbonradical containing 14 to 24 carbon atoms. Preferred are saturatedhydrocarbon radicals.

R₃₄ is preferably hydrogen, —CH₂OH or a radical of formula

R₃₅ is preferably a radical of formula

As to R₃₈, R₃₈′ and R₃₆″ the preferences given above for R₃₄ apply.

c is preferably a number from 1 to 5.

Preferred are fatty acid alkanolamides of formula

wherein R₂₃, R₂₄, R₃₈, R₃₈′, R₃₈″, R₃₉, R₃₉′ and R₃₉″ are as definedabove.

Preferred are fatty acid alkanolamides of formula (15a), wherein R₃₄,R₃₈, R₃₈′ and R₃₈″ are hydrogen or —CH₂OH.

Furthermore, fatty acid alkanolamides of formula

are preferred, wherein R₃₃, R₃₄, R₃₇ and c are as defined above.

Preferred are fatty acid alkanolamides of formula (15b), wherein

R₃₄ and R₃₇ are hydrogen or a radical of formula

R₃₄ is preferably hydrogen.

The above fatty acid alkanolamides can also be present in form of thecorresponding ammonium salts.

A mixture of these fatty acid alkanolamides may also be used.

Emulsifiers suitable for dispersing the fatty acid alkanol amidecomponent include:

i) Ethoxylates, such as alkyl ethoxylates, amine ethoxylates or amideethoxylates. Alkyl ethoxylates include alcohol ethoxylates orisotridecyl ethoxylates. Preferred alcohol ethoxylates include nonionicfatty alcohol ethoxylates containing 2 to 55 ethylene oxide units.Preferred isotridecyl ethoxylates include nonionic isotridecylethoxylates containing 5 to 45 ethylene oxide units. Preferred amineethoxylates include nonionic C10 to C20 alkyl amino ethoxylatescontaining 4 to 25 ethylene oxide units. Preferred amide ethoxylatesinclude cationic fatty acid amide ethoxylates containing 2 to 25ethylene oxide units.

ii) Alkylammonium halides, preferably cationic quaternary esteralkylammonium halides or cationic aliphatic acidalkylamidotrialkylammonium methosulfates.

iii) Ammonium salts, preferably cationic aliphatic quaternary ammoniumchloride or sulfate.

A mixture of these emulsifiers may also be used.

Examples for polyurethanes are the reaction products of a diol and anethoxyslate with a diisocyanate.

The additives selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene, afatty acid alkanolamide, a polysilicic acid, and a polyurethane are, asa rule, used in an amount of 0.01 to 25% by weight, especially 0.01 to15% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric softenercomposition. An amount of 0.05 to 15% by weight, especially 0.1 to 15%by weight, is preferred. Highly preferred is an upper limit of 10%,especially 5%.

Preferred as additives are polyethylene, fatty acid alkanolamides andpolyurethanes, especially polyethylene and fatty acid alkanolamides.Highly preferred are polyethylene.

A highly preferred fabric softener composition used according to thepresent invention comprises:

a) 0.01 to 70% by weight based on the total weight of the composition ofa polyorganosiloxane, or a mixture thereof;

b) 0.2 to 15% by weight based on the total weight of an emulsifier, or amixture thereof;

c) 0.01 to 25% by weight especially 0.01 to 15% by weight, based on thetotal weight of at least one additive selected from the group consistingof a polyethylene, a fatty acid alkanolamide, a polysilicic acid, or apolyurethane, and

d) water to 100%.

The fabric softener compositions can be prepared as follows:

Firstly, emulsions of the polyorganosiloxane are prepared. Thepolyorganosiloxane and polyethylene, fatty acid alkanol amide,polysilicic acid or polyurethane are emulsified in water using one ormore surfactants and shear forces, e.g. by means of a colloid mill.Suitable surfactants are described above. The components may beemulsified individually before being mixed together, or emulsifiedtogether after the components have been mixed. The surfactant(s) is/areused in customary amounts known to the person skilled in the art and canbe added either to the polyorganosiloxane or to the water prior toemulsification. Where appropriate, the emulsification operation can becarried out at elevated temperature. The fabric softener compositionaccording to the invention is usually, but not exclusively, prepared byfirstly stirring the active substance, i.e. the hydrocarbon based fabricsoftening component, in the molten state into water, then, whererequired, adding further desired additives and, finally, after cooling,adding the polyorganosiloxane emulsion.

The fabric softener composition can, for example, be prepared by mixinga preformulated fabric softener with an emulsion comprising thepolyorganosiloxane and the additive.

The fabric softening components can be conventional hydrocarbon basedfabric softening components known in the art.

Hydrocarbon fabric softeners suitable for use herein are selected fromthe following classes of compounds:

(i) Cationic quaternary ammonium salts. The counter ion of such cationicquaternary ammonium salts may be a halide, such as chloride or bromide,methyl sulphate, or other ions well known in the literature. Preferablythe counter ion is methyl sulfate or any alkyl sulfate or any halide,methyl sulfate being most preferred for the dryer-added articles of theinvention.

Examples of cationic quaternary ammonium salts include but are notlimited to:

(1) Acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having at least two C₈ to C₃₀,preferably C₁₂ to C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl chains, such as: ditallowdimethylammonium methylsulfate, di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethyl ammoniummethylsulfate, distearyldimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, dicocodimethylammonium methylsulfate and the like. It is especially preferred if thefabric softening compound is a water insoluble quaternary ammoniummaterial which comprises a compound having two C₁₂ to C₁₈ alkyl oralkenyl groups connected to the molecule via at least one ester link. Itis more preferred if the quaternary ammonium material has two esterlinks present. An especially preferred ester-linked quaternary ammoniummaterial for use in the invention can be represented by the formula:

wherein each R³¹ group is independently selected from C₁ to C₄ alkyl,hydroxyalkyl or C₂ to C₄ alkenyl groups; T is either

and wherein each R³² group is independently selected from C₈ to C₂₈alkyl or alkenyl groups; and e is an integer from 0 to 5.

A second preferred type of quaternary ammonium material can berepresented by the formula:

A second preferred type of quaternary ammonium material can berepresented by the formula:

wherein R³¹, e and R³² are as defined above.

(2) Cyclic quaternary ammonium salts of the imidazolinium type such asdi(hydrogenated tallow)dimethyl imidazolinium methylsulfate,1-ethylene-bis(2-tallow-1-methyl)imidazolinium methylsulfate and thelike;

(3) Diamido quaternary ammonium salts such as: methyl-bis(hydrogenatedtallow amidoethyl)-2-hydroxethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbi(tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxypropyl ammonium methylsulfate and thelike;

(4) Biodegradable quaternary ammonium salts such asN,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate andN,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-propyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate.Biodegradable quaternary ammonium salts are described, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,180, 4,767,547 and 4,789,491 incorporated byreference herein.

Preferred biodegradable quaternary ammonium salts include thebiodegradable cationic diester compounds as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,137,180, herein incorporated by reference.

(ii) Tertiary fatty amines having at least one and preferably two C8 toC30, preferably C12 to C22 alkyl chains. Examples include hardenedtallow-di-methylamine and cyclic amines such as 1-(hydrogenatedtallow)amidoethyl-2-hydrogenated tallow)imidazoline. Cyclic amines whichmay be employed for the compositions herein are described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,806,255 incorporated by reference herein.

(iii) Carboxylic acids having 8 to 30 carbons atoms and one carboxylicgroup per molecule. The alkyl portion has 8 to 30, preferably 12 to 22carbon atoms. The alkyl portion may be linear or branched, saturated orunsaturated, with linear saturated alkyl preferred. Stearic acid is apreferred fatty acid for use in the composition herein. Examples ofthese carboxylic acids are commercial grades of stearic acid andpalmitic acid, and mixtures thereof which may contain small amounts ofother acids.

(iv) Esters of polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitan esters or glycerolstearate. Sorbitan esters are the condensation products of sorbitol oriso-sorbitol with fatty acids such as stearic acid. Preferred sorbitanesters are monoalkyl. A common example of sorbitan ester is SPAN 60(ICI) which is a mixture of sorbitan and isosorbide stearates.

(v) Fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyphenols, ethoxylatedalkyphenols, ethoxylated fatty amines, ethoxylated monoglycerides andethoxylated diglycerides.

(vi) Mineral oils, and polyols such as polyethylene glycol.

These softeners are more definitively described in U.S. Pat. No.4,134,838 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Preferred fabric softeners for use herein are acyclic quaternaryammonium salts. Di(hydrogenated)tallowdimethyl ammonium methylsulfate ismost widely used for dryer articles of this invention. Mixtures of theabove mentioned fabric softeners may also be used.

The fabric softening composition employed in the present inventioncontains as a rule about 0.1% to about 95% of the fabric softeningcomponent. Preferably from about 2% to about 70% and most preferablyfrom about 2% to about 30% of the fabric softening component is employedherein to obtain optimum softening at minimum cost. When the fabricsoftening component includes a quaternary ammonium salt, the salt isused in the amount of about 2% to about 70%, preferably about 2% toabout 30%.

The fabric softener composition may also comprise additives which arecustomary for standard commercial liquid rinse conditioners, for examplealcohols, such as ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, polyhydric alcohols,for example glycerol and propylene glycol; amphoteric and nonionicsurfactants, for example carboxyl derivatives of imidazole, oxyethylatedfatty alcohols, hydrogenated and ethoxylated castor oil, alkylpolyglycosides, for example decyl polyglucose and dodecylpolyglucose,fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty acidglycerides or fatty acid partial glycerides; also inorganic or organicsalts, for example water-soluble potassium, sodium or magnesium salts,non-aqueous solvents, pH buffers, perfumes, dyes, hydrotropic agents,antifoams, anti redeposition agents, polymeric or other thickeners,enzymes, optical brighteners, antishrink agents, stain removers,germicides, fungicides, antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors.

These fabric softener compositions are traditionally prepared asdispersions containing for example up to 20% by weight of activematerial in water. They have a turbid appearance. However, alternativeformulations usually containing actives at levels of 5 to 40% along withsolvents can be prepared as microemulsions which have a clear appearance(as to the solvents and the formulations see for example U.S. Pat. No.5,543,067 and WO-A-98/17757). The additives and polyorganosiloxanes ofthe present invention can be used for such compositions although it willbe necessary to use them in microemulsion form to preserve the clearappearance of the fabric softener compositions which are microemulsions.

Another aspect of the invention is a tumble dryer sheet article. Thefabric softener composition of the present invention may be coated ontoa flexible substrate which carries a fabric conditioning amount of thecomposition and is capable of releasing the composition at dryeroperating temperatures. The conditioning composition in turn has apreferred melting (or softening) point of about 25° C. to about 150° C.

The fabric softener composition which may be employed in the inventionis coated onto a dispensing means which effectively releases the fabricconditioning composition in a tumble dryer. Such dispensing means can bedesigned for single usage or for multiple uses. One such multi-usearticle comprises a sponge material releasably enclosing enough of theconditioning composition to effectively impart fabric softness duringseveral drying cycles. This multi-use article can be made by filling aporous sponge with the composition. In use, the composition melts andleaches out through the pores of the sponge to soften and conditionfabrics. Such a filled sponge can be used to treat several loads offabrics in conventional dryers, and has the advantage that it can remainin the dryer after use and is not likely to be misplaced or lost.

Another article comprises a cloth or paper bag releasably enclosing thecomposition sealed with a hardened plug of the mixture. The action andheat of the dryer opens the bag and releases the composition to performits softening.

A highly preferred article comprises the inventive compositionsreleasably affixed to a flexible substrate such as a sheet of paper orwoven or non-woven cloth substrate. When such an article is placed in anautomatic laundry dryer, the heat, moisture, distribution forces andtumbling action of the dryer removes the composition from the substrateand deposits it on the fabrics.

The sheet conformation has several advantages. For example, effectiveamounts of the compositions for use in conventional dryers can be easilyabsorbed onto and into the sheet substrate by a simple dipping orpadding process. Thus, the end user need not measure the amount of thecomposition necessary to obtain fabric softness and other benefits.Additionally, the flat configuration of the sheet provides a largesurface area which results in efficient release and distribution of thematerials onto fabrics by the tumbling action of the dryer.

The substrates used in the articles can have a dense, or morepreferably, open or porous structure. Examples of suitable materialswhich can be used as substrates herein include paper, woven cloth, andnon-woven cloth. The term “cloth” herein means a woven or non-wovensubstrate for the articles of manufacture, as distinguished from theterm “fabric” which encompasses the clothing fabrics being dried in anautomatic dryer.

It is known that most substances are able to absorb a liquid substanceto some degree; however, the term “absorbent”, as used herein, isintended to mean a substrate with an absorbent capacity (i.e., aparameter representing a substrates ability to take up and retain aliquid) from 4 to 12, preferably 5 to 7 times its weight of water.

If the substrate is a foamed plastics material, the absorbent capacityis preferably in the range of 15 to 22, but some special foams can havean absorbent capacity in the range from 4 to 12.

Determination of absorbent capacity values is made by using the capacitytesting procedures described in U.S. Federal Specifications (UU-T-595b),modified as follows:

1. tap water is used instead of distilled water;

2. the specimen is immersed for 30 seconds instead of 3 minutes;

3. draining time is 15 seconds instead of 1 minute; and

4. the specimen is immediately weighed on a torsion balance having a panwith turned-up edges.

Absorbent capacity values are then calculated in accordance with theformula given in said Specification. Based on this test, one-ply, densebleached paper (e.g., Kraft or bond having a basis weight of about 32pounds per 3,000 square feet) has an absorbent capacity of 3.5 to 4;commercially available household one-ply towel paper has a value of 5 to6; and commercially available two-ply household towelling paper has avalue of 7 to about 9.5.

Suitable materials which can be used as a substrate in the inventionherein include, among others, sponges, paper, and woven and non-wovencloth, all having the necessary absorbency requirements defined above.

The preferred non-woven cloth substrates can generally be defined asadhesively bonded fibrous or filamentous products having a web or cardedfiber structure (where the fiber strength is suitable to allow carding),or comprising fibrous mats in which the fibers or filaments aredistributed haphazardly or in random array (i.e. an array of fibers is acarded web wherein partial orientation of the fibers is frequentlypresent, as well as a completely haphazard distributional orientation),or substantially aligned. The fibers or filaments can be natural (e.g.wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, or ramie) or synthetic(e.g. rayon, cellulose ester, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins,polyamides, or polyesters).

The preferred absorbent properties are particularly easy to obtain withnon-woven cloths and are provided merely by building up the thickness ofthe cloth, i.e., by superimposing a plurality of carded webs or mats toa thickness adequate to obtain the necessary absorbent properties, or byallowing a sufficient thickness of the fibers to deposit on the screen.Any diameter or denier of the fiber (generally up to about 10 denier)can be used, inasmuch as it is the free space between each fiber thatmakes the thickness of the cloth directly related to the absorbentcapacity of the cloth, and which, further, makes the non-woven clothespecially suitable for impregnation with a composition by means ofintersectional or capillary action. Thus, any thickness necessary toobtain the required absorbent capacity can be used.

When the substrate for the composition is a non-woven cloth made fromfibers deposited haphazardly or in random array on the screen, thearticles exhibit excellent strength in all directions and are not proneto tear or separate when used in the automatic clothes dryer.

Preferably, the non-woven cloth is water-laid or air-laid and is madefrom cellulosic fibers, particularly from regenerated cellulose orrayon. Such non-woven cloth can be lubricated with any standard textilelubricant.

Preferably, the fibers are from 5 mm to 50 mm in length and are from 1.5to 5 denier. Preferably, the fibers are at least partially orientatedhaphazardly, and are adhesively bonded together with a hydrophobic orsubstantially hydrophobic binder-resin. Preferably, the cloth comprisesabout 70% fiber and 30% binder resin polymer by weight and has a basisweight of from about 18 to 45 g per square meter.

In applying the fabric softener composition to the absorbent substrate,the amount impregnated into and/or coated onto the absorbent substrateis conveniently in the weight ratio range of from about 10:1 to 0.5:1based on the ratio of total conditioning composition to dry, untreatedsubstrate (fiber plus binder). Preferably, the amount of theconditioning composition ranges from about 5:1 to about 1:1, mostpreferably from about 3:1 to 1:1, by weight of the dry untreatedsubstrate.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the dryer sheetsubstrate is coated by being passed over a rotogravure applicator roll.In its passage over this roll, the sheet is coated with a thin, uniformlayer of molten fabric softening composition contained in a rectangularpan at a level of about 15 g per square yard. Passage for the substrateover a cooling roll then solidifies the molten softening composition toa solid. This type of applicator is used to obtain a uniform homogeneouscoating across the sheet.

Following application of the liquefied composition, the articles areheld at room temperature until the composition substantially solidifies.The resulting dry articles, prepared at the composition substrate ratiosset forth above, remain flexible; the sheet articles are suitable forpackaging in rolls. The sheet articles can optionally be slitted orpunched to provide a non-blocking aspect at any convenient time ifdesired during the manufacturing process.

The fabric softener composition employed in the present inventionincludes certain fabric softeners which can be used singly or inadmixture with each other.

Examples of suitable textile fibre materials which can be treated withthe fabric softener composition are materials made of silk, wool,polyamide, acrylics or polyurethanes, and, in particular, cellulosicfibre materials of all types. Such fibre materials are, for example,natural cellulose fibres, such as cotton, linen, jute and hemp, andregenerated cellulose. Preference is given to textile fibre materialsmade of cotton. The fabric softener compositions are also suitable forhydroxyl-containing fibres which are present in mixed fabrics, forexample mixtures of cotton with polyester fibres or polyamide fibres.

A better understanding of the present invention and of its manyadvantages will be had by referring to the following Examples, given byway of illustration. The percentages given in the examples arepercentages by weight.

EXAMPLE 1

(Preparation of the Rinse Conditioners)

The liquid rinse conditioners are prepared by using the proceduredescribed below. This type of fabric rinse conditioners is normallyknown under the name of “triple strength” or “triple fold” formula.

75% by weight of the total amount of water is heated to 40° C. Themolten fabric softenerdi-(palmcarboxyethyl-)hydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate (orRewoquat WE 38 DPG available from Witco) is added to the heated waterunder stirring and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour at 40° C.Afterwards the aqueous softener solution is cooled down to below 30° C.while stirring. When the solution cools down sufficiently magnesiumchloride is added and the pH is adjusted to 3.2 with 0.1 N hydrochloricacid. The formulation is then filled up with water to 100%.

The rinse conditioner formulation as described above was used as a baseformulation. In a final step the fabric softener is mixed with aseparately prepared polyorganosiloxane/additive emulsion. The fabricsoftener formulations used in the following examples are listed in thefollowing Table 1.

TABLE 1 (rinse conditioner formulations used in the application test for1 kg wash load) Polyorgano-siloxane Rinse emulsion (calculatedconditioner on solid content of Fabric softener formulation theemulsion) Base Formulation pH 0 (Reference) — 13.3 g 3.2 A 0.2 g of TypeI 13.3 g 3.2 B 0.2 g of Type II 13.3 g 3.2 C 0.2 g of Type III 13.3 g3.2 D 0.2 g of Type IV 13.3 g 3.2 E 0.2 g of Type V 13.3 g 3.2 F 0.2 gof Type VI 13.3 g 3.2 G 0.2 g of Type VII 13.3 g 3.2 H 0.2 g of TypeVIII 13.3 g 3.2 I 0.2 g of Type IX 13.3 g 3.2 J 0.2 g of Type X 13.3 g3.2 K 0.2 g of Type XI 13.3 g 3.2 L 0.2 g of Type XII 13.3 g 3.2 M 0.2 gof Type XV 13.3 g 3.2

Types of Polyorganosiloxane Emulsions Used

Type I

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₃, X+Y=300-1500,% nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0

3.7% of an emulsifier

12.5% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80.

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=27.0-29.0%

water content=71.3%

Type II

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂Ch₂NH₂, X+Y=300-1500, % nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0.025

4.5% of an emulsifier

1% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of 0.95to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acid number of10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=37.0-39.0%

water content=60.7%

Type III

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=300-1500, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.03

3.6% of an emulsifier

14% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of 0.95to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acid number of10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=23.0-25.0%

water content=73.7%

Type IV

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂C₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=300-1500, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.11

4.3% of an emulsifier

0.3% of a fatty acid monoalkanolamide of formula (15b), wherein R₃₄ ishydrogen and R₃₇ is hydrogen or a radical of formula —C(O)R₃₆

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=37.0-39.0%

water content=60.7%

Type V

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=300-1500, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.11

4.4% of an emulsifier

0.2% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=37.0-39.0%

water content=60.7%

Type VI

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —CH₃, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=150-300, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.12

11% of an emulsifier

0.3% of a fatty acid dialkanolamide of formula (15a), wherein R₃₄, R₃₈,R₃₈′ and R₃₈″ are hydrogen or —CH₂OH

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=24.0-26.0%

water content=72.1%

Type VII

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —CH₃, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=40-150, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.08

13.2% of an emulsifier

0.23% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=41.0-43.0%

water content=44.4%

Type VIII

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —CH₃,

R₃ is —CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂N(H)((CO)(CH₂CH₂CH₂OH))), X+Y=300-1500, %nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0.1

9.8% of an emulsifier

0.1% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C. a drop point of 100-150° C., an acid numberof 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=20.5-22.5%

water content=76.9%

Type IX

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (8), wherein R₁₇ is —CH₃, R₃ isCH₃, R₁₉ is a polyethylenoxide radical X¹+Y¹+S=40-150, % nitrogen (withrespect to silicone)=0

2% of an emulsifier

0.15% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=23.0-25.0%

water content=74.9%

Type X

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (8), wherein R₁₇ is —CH₃, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂, R₁₉ is a polyethylene/polypropyleneoxide radical,X¹+Y¹+S=150-300 % nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0.07

3.5% of an emulsifier

1.5% of a fatty acid dialkanolamide of formula (15a), wherein R₃₄, R₃₈,R₃₈′ and R₃₈″ are hydrogen or —CH₂OH

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=19.5-21.5%

water content=73%

Type XI

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (9), wherein R₂₆ is C₁₂alkyl, R₂₇is 2-phenylpropyl, R₂₈ is an epoxy radical of formula (10),X²+X³+X⁴+Y²=40-150, % nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0

2.9% of an emulsifier

0.85% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=37.0-39.0%

water content=62%

Type XII

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is CH₃, R₃ isC₁₈alkoxy, X+Y=40-150, % nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0

3.2% of an emulsifier

1.5% of an emulsifiable oxidised polyethylene which has a density of0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 20° C., a drop point of 100-150° C., an acidnumber of 10 to 60 and a saponification number of 15 to 80

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120°C.=34.0-35.5%

water content=61.4%

Type XIII

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (1), wherein R₁ is —OH, R₃ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)(CH₂CH₂NH₂), X+Y=300-1500, % nitrogen (with respect tosilicone)=0.1

4.2% of an emulsifier

6.2% of a fatty acid monoalkanolamide of formula (15b), wherein R₃₄ ishydrogen and R₃₇ is hydrogen or a radical of formula —C(O)R₃₆

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120° C.=38-40%

water content=60%

Type XIV

Polyorganosiloxane of general formula (8), wherein R₃ is —CH₃ and R₁₇ is—CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂, R₁₉ is a polyethyleneoxide radical, X¹+Y¹+S=40-150, %nitrogen (with respect to silicone)=0.04

7.2% of an emulsifier

solid content of the emulsion measured by evaporation at 120° C.=54-56%

water content=38.1%

Type XV

1 part of emulsion Type XIII and 9 parts of emulsion type XIV

EXAMPLE 2

Hydrophilicity

The formulated rinse conditioners (see Table 1) are applied according tothe following procedure:

Woven cotton swatches of size of 50 cm by 40 cm are washed together withballast material (cotton and cotton/polyester) in a AEG Oeko Lavamat73729 washing machine maintaining the washing temperature at 40° C. Thetotal fabric load of 1 kg is washed for 15 minutes with 33 g of ECEColor Fastness Test Detergent 77 (Formulation January 1977, according toISO 105-CO6). The rinse conditioner formulation as described in Table 1is applied in the last rinse cycle at 20° C. After rinsing with theformulation the textile swatches are dried on a washing line at ambienttemperature.

Evaluation of Hydrophilicity

The water absorption of fabrics treated with the test samples ismeasured by the wicking test. Test strips are fixed to a frame anddipped about 1 mm deep in a colored aqueous solution. The rise of waterin the strips is measured after twenty minutes. Water absorption offabrics treated with rinse conditioner formulations from Table 1 arecompared. The average values of four parallel measurements are given inTable 2.

TABLE 2 Rinse conditioner sample Measured water rise (cm) 0 (Reference)8.2 A 9.6 B 10.2 C 9.5 D 9.6 E 9.2 F 9.0 G 9.8 H 9.1 I 9.2 J 9.6 K 9.8 L9.6 M 9.3

These results show an improved hydrophilicity of the textile fabricmaterial treated with compositions of the present invention.

In all experiments the following textiles have been used:

Cotton woven: 120 g/m2, bleached, with resin finishing:

Cotton/Polyester 66/34 woven: 85 g/m2, bleached.

Both textiles were finished with a resin according to Oekotex Standard100: 30 g/l of modified dimethyloidihydroxyethylene urea (70% activematerial) 9 g/l Magnesiumchloride (width 6 H₂O) padding with a pickup ofapproximately 80%

Drying at about 110-120° C. in a oven followed by a 4 minute curing stepat 145° C.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of use of a softener composition forimparting hydrophilicity to textile fibre materials in domesticapplications, which comprises treating washed textile fibre materialswith a softener composition which comprises: A) a fabric softener; B) atleast one additive selected from the group consisting of a) apolyethylene, or a mixture thereof, and C) a dispersedpolyorganosiloxane of formula (1)

wherein R¹ is OH, OR² or CH₃, R² is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃, R³ is C₁-C₂₀alkoxy,CH₃, CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂N(COCH₃)R⁵,

R⁴ is H or CH₃, R⁵ is H, CH₂CH₂NHR⁶, C(═O)—R⁷ or (CH₂)_(z)—CH₃, z is 0to 7, R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH₂CH₂CH₂OH, R⁸ is H orCH₃, and the sum of X and Y is 40 to 4000; or a dispersedpolyorganosiloxane which comprises at least one unit of the formula (5)(R⁹)_(v)(R¹⁰)_(w)Si—A—B  (5) wherein R⁹ is CH₃, CH₃CH₂ or phenyl, R¹⁰ is—O—Si or —O—R⁹, the sum of v and w equals 3, and v does not equal 3,A=—CH₂CH(R¹¹)(CH₂)_(k), B=—NR¹²((CH₂)₁—NH)_(m)R¹² or

n is 0 or 1, when n is 0, U¹ is N, when n is 1, U¹ is CH, l is 2 to 8, kis 0 to 6, m is 0 to 3, R¹¹ is H or CH₃, R¹² is H, C(═O)—R¹⁶,CH₂(CH₂)_(p)CH₃ or

p is 0 to 6, R¹³ is NH, O, OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂N(butyl), OOCN(butyl) R¹⁴ is H,linear or branched C₁-C₄alkyl, phenyl or CH₂CH(OH)CH₃, R¹⁵ is H orlinear or branched C₁-C₄alkyl, R¹⁶ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or (CH₂)_(q)OH, q is 1to 6, and U² is N or CH; or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of theformula (8)

wherein R³ is as previously defined, R¹⁷ is OH, OR¹⁸ or CH₃, R¹⁸ is CH₃or CH₂CH₃, R¹⁹ is R²⁰—(EO)_(m)—(PO)_(n)—R²¹, m is 3 to 25, n is 0 to 10,R²⁰ is the direct bond or CH₂CH(R²²)(CH₂)_(p)R²³, p is 1 to 4, R²¹ is H,R²⁴, CH₂CH(R²²)NH₂ or CH(R²²)CH₂NH₂, R²² is H or CH₃, R²³ is O or NH,R²⁴ is linear or branched C₁-C₈alkyl or Si(R²⁵)₃, R²⁵ is R²⁴, OCH₃ orOCH₂CH₃, EO is —CH₂CH₂O—, PO is —CH(CH₃)CH₂O— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)O— and thesum of X₁, Y₁ and S is 20 to 1500; or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane ofthe formula (9)

wherein R²⁶ is linear or branched C₁-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CH(R⁴)R²⁹, R⁴ is aspreviously defined, R²⁹ is linear or branched C₁-C₂₀alkyl, R²⁷ is aryl,aryl substituted by linear or branched C₁-C₁₀alkyl, linear or branchedC₁-C₂₀alkyl substituted by aryl or aryl substituted by linear orbranched C₁-C₁₀alkyl, R²⁸ is

the sum of X², X³, X⁴ and Y² is 20 to 1500, wherein X³, X⁴ and Y² may beindependently of each other 0; or a mixture thereof, in which thenitrogen content of the aqueous emulsion due to the polyorganosiloxaneis from 0.001 to 0.25% with respect to the silicon content.
 2. A methodof use according to claim 1 wherein the polyorganosiloxane is of formula(1):

wherein R¹ is OH, OR² or CH₃ R² is CH₃ or CH₂CH₃ R³ is C₁-C₂₀alkoxy,CH₃, CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, or

R⁴ is H or CH₃, R⁵ is H, CH₂CH₂NHR⁶, C(═O)—R⁷, R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷, R⁷is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH₂CH₂CH₂OH, R⁸ is H or CH₃, and the sum of X and Y is40 to 4000; or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane which comprises at leastone unit of the formula (5); (R⁹)_(v)(R¹⁰)_(w)Si—A—B  (5) wherein R⁹ isCH₃ or CH₃CH₂, R¹⁰ is —O—Si or —O—R⁹, the sum of v and w equals 3, and vdoes not equal 3, A=—CH₂CH(R¹¹)(CH₂)_(K), B=

n is 1, U¹ is CH, k is 0 to 6, R¹¹ is H or CH₃, R¹³ is OOCN(butyl), R¹⁴is H, linear C₁-C₄alkyl, phenyl, R¹⁵ is H or linear C₁-C₄alkyl, and U²is N; or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane of the formula (8);

wherein R³ is as previously defined, R¹⁷ is OH, OR¹⁸ or CH₃, R¹⁸ is CH₃or CH₂CH₃, R¹⁹ is R²⁰—(EO)_(m)—(PO)_(n)—R²¹, m is 3 to 25, n is 0 to 10,R²⁰ is the direct bond or CH₂CH(R²²)(CH₂)_(p)R²³, p is 1 to 4, R²¹ is H,R²⁴, CH₂CH(R²²)NH₂ or CH(R²²)CH₂NH₂, R²² is H or CH₃, R²³ is O or NH,R²⁴ is linear or branched C₁-C₃alkyl or Si(R²⁵)₃, R²⁵ is R²⁴, OCH₃ orOCH₂CH₃, EO is —CH₂CH₂O—, PO is —CH(CH₃)CH₂O— or —CH₂CH(CH₃)O— and thesum of X₁, Y₁ and S is 20 to 1500; or a dispersed polyorganosiloxane ofthe formula (9);

wherein R²⁶ is linear C₁-C₂₀alkoxy, R⁴ is as previously defined, R²⁹ islinear C₁-C₂₀alkyl, R²⁷ is CH₂CH(R⁴)phenyl, R²⁸ is

the sum of X², X³, X⁴ and Y² is 20 to 1500, wherein X³, X⁴ and Y² may beindependently of each other 0; or a mixture thereof.
 3. A method of useaccording to claim 1 wherein a polyorganosiloxane of formula (1) isused, wherein R¹ is OH or CH₃, R³ is CH₃, C₁₀-C₂₀alkoxy orCH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, R⁴ is H, R⁵ is H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁶, R⁶ is H or C(═O)—R⁷, andR⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.
 4. A method of use according to claim1 wherein a polyorganosiloxane of formula (8) is used, wherein R³ isCH₃, C₁₀-C₂₀alkoxy or CH₂CHR⁴CH₂NHR⁵, R⁴ is H, R⁵ is H or CH₂CH₂NHR⁵, R⁶is H or C(═O)—R⁷, R⁷ is CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₂OH or CH₃, and R₁₇ is CH₃ orOH.
 5. A method of use according to claim 1 wherein a polyorganosiloxaneof formula (9) is used, wherein R²⁶ is CH₂CH(R⁴)R²⁹, R⁴ is H, and R₂₇ is2-phenylpropyl.
 6. A method of use according to claim 1 wherein thecomposition is a liquid aqueous composition.
 7. A method of useaccording to claim 1 wherein the composition is used in a tumble dryersheet composition.
 8. A method of use according to claim 1 in which thepolyorganosiloxane is nonionic or cationic.
 9. A method of use accordingto claim 1 in which the composition has a solids content of 5 to 70% ata temperature of 120° C.
 10. A method of use according to claim 1 inwhich the composition contains a water content of 25 to 90% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition.
 11. A method of useaccording to claim 1 in which the composition has a pH value from 2 to7.
 12. A method of use according to claim 1 wherein the composition isprepared by mixing a pre formulated fabric softener with an emulsioncomprising the polyorganosiloxane and the additive.
 13. A method of useaccording to claim 1 wherein composition has a clear appearance.
 14. Atumble dryer sheet comprising a composition as defined in claim 1.